Support Programs for Postdoctoral Trainees

The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs enhances the postdoctoral experience at IU School of Medicine by providing support and resources to address the unique needs of each postdoctoral researcher. Prospective and existing postdocs can schedule one-on-one appointments to discuss career goals and postdoctoral experience. The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs also offers CV, resume and cover letter critiques as well as mock interviews.

Postdoctoral Association

The IU School of Medicine Postdoctoral Association was formed in January 2015 to address the needs and concerns of IU School of Medicine Postdocs. This includes providing a Postdoc Buddy program to help new postdocs adjust to a new city and job. Association meetings are typically held on the third Thursday of each month at 1 pm, and all postdocs are invited to attend. Email the IU School of Medicine Postdoctoral Association for details.

Postdoc Buddy Program

A new job and work environment comes with its own stress. In addition, people moving to Indianapolis from other cities or countries may need to adjust to a different culture. The IU School of Medicine Postdoctoral Association Postdoc Buddy Program is a peer-to-peer mentoring program designed to help incoming postdocs adjust to a new city and job by matching them with existing postdocs at IU School of Medicine and offering professional and social events. Sign up here.

National Postdoctoral Association

IU School of Medicine is a sustaining member of the National Postdoctoral Association, a member-driven, nonprofit organization that provides a unique, national voice for postdoctoral scholars. All IU School of Medicine postdocs are eligible to register for FREE as affiliate members and receive NPA e-alerts and the POSTDOCket, the quarterly newsletter. In addition, affiliate members have access to members-only online resources and discounts to attend the annual meeting and other programs.

Individual Development Plans

IU School of Medicine postdoctoral trainees are encouraged to fill out an individual development plan. This plan helps postdoctoral trainees explore career possibilities and set goals to follow a suitable career path.

Performance Evaluations

Regular performance evaluations enrich the training experience for both postdocs and faculty by providing a structured forum to discuss lab skills, initiative, dependability, team work, attitude and other performance considerations. This feedback helps to nurture a postdoc’s professional development. Additionally, a performance evaluation affords faculty a structured opportunity to address any personnel issues that may develop. The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs recommends conducting a postdoc evaluation after six months of employment and then annually thereafter.

Classes

Easy access to academic courses is one of the benefits of working in higher education. IU School of Medicine employees receive the IU Tuition Benefit through Human Resources. Non-employees or those funded under a training grant often find the grant includes funding for tuition and professional development programs. Postdoctorate trainees interested in this benefit should speak to the department and/or grant administrator for more information.

IU School of Medicine | Graduate Division

About

IU School of Medicine is the largest medical school in the US and is annually ranked among the top medical schools in the nation by US News & World Report. The school offers high-quality medical education, access to leading medical research and rich campus life in nine Indiana cities, including rural and urban locations consistently recognized for livability.